LEWISTON – Anne F. Craigs has joined the YWCA of Central Maine as executive director.

Craigs will oversee the entire organization, including YWCA programs, management of staff and ensuring an effective relationship with the board of directors. She will also have responsibility for carrying out the YWCA’s mission and vision – eliminate racism and empower women.

The YWCA offers programs that meet the affiliation requirement of the National YWCA Hallmark Programs initiative – racial justice and women’s economic empowerment.

Based on East Avenue, the YWCA plays a role in Androscoggin County and surrounding areas with its programs for all ages. For many years, children, women and families have benefited from YWCA programs in childcare, aquatics and intervention services.

Prior to joining the YWCA, Craigs was co-owner of the Employment Times and has held several management and leadership positions with Androscoggin Bank, Craigs and Associates and Coastal Bank.

Craigs is enrolled in the Masters in Leadership Studies program at the University of Southern Maine. She received her B.A. from Emmanuel College in Boston, graduated with honors from the National School of Banking and was part of the Leadership Maine Gamma class. The Leadership Maine program is sponsored by the Maine Development Foundation.

For a number of years, Craigs has dedicated numerous hours to the Lewiston-Auburn community. She is past president of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Lewiston Mill Redevelopment Corp. She serves as an ambassador with the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce.